Rolando McClain retires at 23 (updated with his statement)

(Update) Rolando McClain issued a statement Thursday about his surprising retirement, and acknowledged for the first time that he may need some help:

“Clearly, my decision to retire has raised some questions. Quite simply, I love football, but I have decided at this time it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together. Beyond that, I am not sure what the future holds for me, including football. This was entirely my decision and the Ravens have been very supportive during this process. I am very grateful for the opportunity they gave me and wish them the best of luck in the future. God willing, maybe I’ll play for them one day.”

(Original post) Those waiting to see whether the Ravens cut former Raider Rolando McClain after his latest arrest were somewhat surprised when the 23-year-old linebacker retired on Wednesday.

McClain was signed on April 12 as the potential replacement for Ray Lewis but was arrested 10 days later in his hometown of Decatur, Ala., for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. This was the third arrest in 11 months for the Raiders’ first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in 2010. He was previously charged in a 2011 shooting, and police arrested him in January on charges of having his car windows tinted too darkly and trying to lie about his identity.

McClain was sentenced to jail on an assault charge after the shooting, but prosecutors later dismissed the case.

McClain – who the Raiders suspended last season and then used as a scout-team running back in practice when he returned — had 274 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in 41 career games with Oakland.